Keith Flanagan

With all the things to do with kids in NYC, why would you ever want to leave? You can fill their days with both indoor and outdoor activities, from kid-friendly museums and attractions to amazing playgrounds and much more. Sometimes the family needs a change of scenery though. Kid-friendly day trips—whether to a nearby amusement park or perhaps a hiking trail—can do the trick, but for a more epic option, these family weekend getaways offer plenty of fun and adventure. From historic towns and fun on the beach to all-inclusive family resorts and the great outdoors, you’ll make lasting memories when you take the crew out for a full weekend away. You’ll return to the city refreshed and ready to tackle a new week.

Fancy a romantic getaway, reconnecting with your other half? What better way than to head out to the gorgeous areas surrounding NYC in an equally-gorgeous and romantic Airbnb? Nothing says romance like sleeping in someone else's bed. Live out your rom-com chick-flick fantasies and spend the night in the Big Apple before frolicking off to somewhere cozy for the night. Luckily for you, there are a million and one places to stay listed on Airbnb. From off-the-grid cabins to riverfront cottages, we've picked the best of the best for your holiday romance. Read on, star-crossed lovers, read on.  RECOMMENDED: Valentine’s Day in NYC guideRECOMMENDED: 10 Airbnbs that'll make you feel like you're in EuropeRECOMMENDED: The sexiest hotels in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. 

At the first hint of snow, ski enthusiasts start planning for the first chance to hit the slopes. There are plenty of opportunities to go skiing and snowboarding near the city, and a day trip should suffice. But for those looking for a ski-focused winter getaway, look no further than these amazing ski resorts near NYC. You’ll enjoy skiing, scenery, outdoor activities, and of course après-ski relaxation. Even beginners and non-skiers will enjoy a stay in these areas. From a mere two to six hours away, your next winter escape is within reach, whether you choose a mountain in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, or Massachusetts. Be sure to check opening times and lift ticket pricing before you head out, as these can fluctuate. Once you're back in the city, keep that winter glow by cozying up in front of a fire at one of these NYC bars with fireplaces. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs near NYC with snowy viewsRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs for ski getaways from NYC RECOMMENDED: The coziest Airbnbs near NYC

When it comes to staying in a super-fancy Airbnb, who says you have to be a tourist? Even New Yorkers can indulge in a change of scenery every once in a while. And Airbnb is the perfect place to explore your own city. The site is full of rentals that are whacky and glorious, that give you a chance to live an entirely different life for a day or a few. But where are these fallowed unique Airbnbs? Well, they’re on the following list, that’s where. Below we’ve picked out some of NYC’s most fascinating and brilliant rentals. RECOMMENDED: The best New York City Airbnbs RECOMMENDED: The best boutique hotels in New York CityRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs with hot tubs in New YorkRECOMMENDED: The sexiest hotels in NYC RECOMMENDED: The best boat rentals in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

While we can never quit NYC, with it amazing restaurants, internationally-recognized bars and world-class museums, the crowds, the hustle and the pace, however, can lead to some serious stress and, well, sometimes we need a break. Fortunately, the location of our fine city affords easy access to many other exciting, yet more relaxed destinations. These weekend getaways from NYC offer fun, relaxation and a little something different not too far from home. Whether you’re taking a car or public transportation, these destinations are easily accessible in five hours or less. Enjoy nature, chill by a lake, take in some art or do a little shopping. From quaint towns to beachy locales, a weekend away will be just the thing to recharge. If you don’t have a whole weekend to spare, consider one of these day trips from NYC. Looking for a longer getaway? A road trip from NYC might be for you. But these weekend getaways are just right, opening up a whole new world in upstate New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and more. RECOMMENDED:– The 21 best day trips from New York City – Best things to do in upstate New York  – Cheap romantic getaways near NYC – Best beaches in NYC  – Best beach hotels near NYC – Best day trips from New York – Most scenic train rides in America – The coziest Airbnbs near NYC this winter – The best Airbnbs near breweries outside of NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

What’s the most romantic thing you can say to your partner this year? It sounds something like this: Let’s get out of town. For a truly memorable celebration, skip the chocolates or flowers and surprise your significant other with one of these romantic day trips. Down to splurge? Head out of the city for a weekend-long romantic getaway in NY state or book a suite in one of the most romantic hotels in NYC. If you really have to stay local, try out one of these unique date ideas or cuddle up in one of the coziest restaurants and bars in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to day trips from NYC

Autumn in NYC is one of the loveliest times of the year. The weather is crisp and cool, perfect for enjoying the city without melting or freezing. You can see fall foliage within the city limits or check out one of the many fall activities going on around town. Fall is also a great time for getting out of the city, and these fall day trips from NYC are just the thing to kick those seasonal cozy vibes into high gear. Whether you’re looking to go apple picking, take a hike or explore nearby Halloween events, these fall day trips are worth the journey. They’re all within three hours of the city, so you’ll be back in time to reminisce about your autumn outing over a cup of hot chocolate.

At the first hint of autumn, thoughts start to turn leaf-peeping, hot apple cider, and the bounty of a fall harvest. Like the best fruits of summer — strawberries, cherries and blueberries — apples taste even better when you pick them yourself. These farms and orchards where you can go apple picking near NYC let you pick apples straight from the trees. There’s nothing better than taking a bite out of a freshly-picked apple (unless you take some home to make apple pie, of course). Apple picking is fun for the whole family, and makes for a great family day trip from NYC. These farms and orchards are all within a couple hours of the city, and many include other activities besides apple picking. From hayrides and corn mazes to farm tours and petting zoos — not to mention farmstands with fresh-baked goods and other treats — enjoy a full day of fall fun at these apple-picking spots.

This summer, the heat is on and the best way to cool down is to get out on the water. You athletic types can try kayaking NYC’s rivers, and landlubbers can stick to the city’s prominent waterfront restaurants and boat bars, but if you have any hint of seafaring fun in you, a boat party in NYC is one of the best things to do in the summer. Open waters, sea breezes and stunning views of Manhattan are all on tap when you embark on a booze cruise in NYC. Oh and did we mention full bars, great food, and live music? Take your summer celebrations to the next level and set sail with these boat parties. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s a cantina-themed boat, a lobster-centric excursion, a fine dining cruise or a leisurely happy hour float. You’re more than welcome to rock the boat on a rock n roll cruise, and cocktails are tastier when sipped on a yacht. Check out these NYC boat parties for a totally nautical summer.

Right now, we're all thinking about summer getaways from NYC. It's been a long spring and finally, the weather is perfect for taking road trips and day trips out of this busy city. While there are plenty of things to do to stay cool—from checking out the hottest new rooftop restaurants and bars to kayaking our local waterways and hitting up the best nearby beaches—there comes a point when you just need to get away. Fortunately, there are plenty of summer getaways from NYC that offer a refreshing change of scenery and a whole slew of new activities. All within six hours of the city, these getaway destinations are chock full of relaxing and surprising things to do. Visiting a farm, walking through treetops, dining in a quaint seaside hamlet and getting a full spa treatment are all within reach. Some of them are even perfect destinations for taking an affordable romantic getaway. Want to know where you can go for a summer weekend from NYC? Try Kingston, Saranac Lake, Newport, Catskill and more. Explore these towns and you might discover a new hobby or the next best regional food trend. Whatever you choose, you’ll return to the city recharged and ready to get back into the daily grind. If you can’t get away for more than a day, check out these day trips from New York for a quick trip. Just get out there and try something new for the best summer ever. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to weekend getaways from NYC

Flourishing with tree-lined lakes, historic port towns, sweeping valleys and snow-capped peaks, the sheer range of New Hampshire getaways is astounding for such a small state. And yet the landscape leaves plenty of room for surprises, too, with a popular seacoast and bite-size towns packed with big-city flavors. Whether you’re looking for a romantic lakeside escape or a remote mountain adventure, one of these New Hampshire getaways is bound to get your heart pumping. Discover more about New Hampshire Tyler McGill: part of the 'How I Live Free' series by Visit New Hampshire.

We know what you’re thinking: there aren’t really castles and fortresses in the U.S., are there? After all, things like turrets, moats, and drawbridges are the provenance of Europe, where tales of princesses and dragons warranted such fortified fantasies. But while the U.S. lacks royal lineage, it has no shortage of bored castle enthusiasts who’ve built their own medieval-style dwellings, and the country certainly has no hesitation to put up a wall (plenty of cities began as military forts, after all).Sure, you’ve probably heard about some of the best castles in the U.S. (like the iconic Hearst Castle, built by the publishing magnate), but there are plenty of fortified, awe-inspiring structures that fly under the radar. Often hard to get to—or just hard to wrap your mind around—these hidden castles and fortresses are sure to give you medieval thoughts. RECOMMENDED: the best places to visit in the U.S.

If you’ve ever dreamed of house swapping with the McCallisters during the holidays, the wait is over: you can actually book the Home Alone house for the first time this year.Tied to the reboot that no one asked for (the film franchise’s latest installment, Home Sweet Home Alone, recently debuted on Disney+), Airbnb reimagined the Chicago home for a special one-night stay. Will Kevin McCallister be there? Not this time. But Kevin’s big brother, Buzz, will host the stay for up to four guests (apparently Macaulay Culkin was booked) and promises to be a little more accommodating than he was thirty years ago. Photograph: Sarah Crowley Does that mean he stocked up on milk, eggs, and fabric softener? No, but he’s bringing his pet tarantula (seriously, the booking includes a meet-and-greet with a real-life tarantula), and he’ll set you up with a special viewing of the new film, too.The stay also includes booby traps scattered about the house (fear not: you’ll set them up yourself), plenty of ‘90s junk food (like microwavable Kraft Macaroni & Cheese), Chicago’s “finest pizza” (let’s hope they double up on the cheese), and a LEGO Ideas Home Alone set that you can take home. And, of course, the amenities include a surprisingly searing aftershave so you can relive that iconic mirror moment.  Photograph: Sarah Crowley 
Curiously, the listing doesn’t explicitly say you can’t take a sled down the stairs, but don’t get any crazy ideas. The best part? The promotional Airbnb only costs $25